Palazzo Strozzi - Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Start from the top. What's this museum best for? Palazzo Strozzi, right in the heart of the city, is the best place in Florence to see contemporary art and traveling international exhibitions. It’s ever-changing and always has interesting artists like Bill Viola and Peggy Guggenheim. Who else can we expect to see here? Rotating exhibitions, events, and concerts host the likes of Marina Abramović, Bill Viola, and Ai Weiwei. And are there any interesting special exhibits we should check out? The 15th-century Renaissance mansion, originally built for and by Filippo Strozzi, one of the Medici's major political and commercial rivals, today the building houses seasonal, non-permanent exhibits. How's the crowd—crowded, or not so crowded? This museum is less crowded than others in Florence. But it's still a cultural institution—with an impressive roster of concerts, events, talks, workshops, and theatrical performances—that draws a crowd of in-the-know aesthetes. Check the website to see what's happening. On a more practical note, how are the facilities? The museum is fully accessible; there's an elevator and you can reserve a wheelchair in advance. Say we're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the art—is there a guide to help us out? You can pre-book guided tours (offered in multiple languages). There are also audio guides that change with the exhibits. Is the gift shop worth a stop? A popular gift shop, which is a favorite even among locals, sells postcards and exhibition memorabilia alongside locally made jewelry, decor, and cookbooks. And the café? Strozzi Café, open to gallery visitors and passersby alike, serves coffee, cocktails, pasta, and more in an atmospheric, wifi-enabled setting. The large menu ranges from antipasti starters and pastas to fish and burgers; it's also perfect for a coffee and pastry. How long would you estimate we should allot for a visit to the Palazzo Strozzi? With a supremely manageable size and setup, this museum is definitely doable in under 90 minutes. The guided tours also last an hour and a half." - Bridget Arsenault